For the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:1-3
The core of Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount is found in the Beatitudes. They suggest the final end to which we are called, that is, the Kingdom of God. Besides reviewing the list of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 found at this link. Further, I want to suggest that you take up the Catechism of the Catholic Church and spend 15-20 minutes to sit with the section that is titled: “Our Vocation to Beatitude” (paragraphs 1716 through 1724). (If you’d like an online version, begin reading at this link)
Here are three points that might interest you about the Beatitudes.
- “The Beatitudes depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray his charity” (paragraph 1717). Jesus is our model for holiness, and his example is keenly displayed in the Beatitudes. We also see the flowering of that holiness in the lives of the saints and disciples of Christ. May we each start to resemble Jesus more and more!
- “The Beatitudes respond to the natural desire [we have] for happiness” (paragraph 1718). God has placed these desires within us to draw us to him. Only God can fulfill our longings. Or in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas: “God alone satisfies.” God’s design of us should bring us confidence and trust in the path he has given us in this life.
- “The Beatitudes reveal the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of human acts: God calls us to his own beatitude” (paragraph 1719). This restates the idea that I opened with above. This invitation for a life in God is addressed to all of us as individuals, and the Church as a whole. May we challenge ourselves to live with the full hope of heaven and pray for the grace to lead us there. God is with us and for us!
Almighty and merciful God, send me the Holy Spirit so I may live like Jesus and walk in his ways.
